A new flagship device from any manufacturer means it is time for drop tests to see how it might hold up against the inevitable slips of the hand that users deal with in the real world. The Samsung Galaxy S 4 is hitting the market now, so we are subjected to viewing the results of these tests if you have the intestinal fortitude to see a brand new device hitting hard concrete. Testing the Galaxy S 4 may be of particular interest to those who have followed the debate about Samsung’s choice of materials for their devices and claims that plastic bodies help smartphones survive accidents better.

A new drop test from GizmoSlip pits the Galaxy S 4 against the Apple iPhone 5 and Galaxy S 4’s predecessor, the Galaxy S III. Besides using plastic for smartphone bodies, Samsung also boasts the use of Gorilla Glass to help prevent screens from shattering. You can check out the video below to see whether Samsung has been successful in setting their devices apart from their chief rival in terms of survivability when it comes to drops.

Raised in North Carolina, Jeff Causey is a licensed CPA in North Carolina. Jeff's past Android devices include an HTC EVO, a Samsung Note II, an LG G3, and a Motorola Moto X Pure Edition along with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1. He currently uses a Samsung Galaxy S8 and (very rarely) a Nexus 7 (2013). He is also using a Verizon-branded Motorola Moto Z Play Droid supplied by his job. Jeff used to have a pair of Google Glass and a Moto 360 Sport in his stable of gadgets. Unfortunately, his kids have all drunk the Apple Kool-Aid and have i-devices. Life at home often includes demonstrations of the superiority of his Android based devices. In his free time, Jeff is active an active runner usually training for his next marathon, owns a MINI Cooper, and plays Dungeons & Dragons. Jeff has three mostly grown kids and a golden retriever.

http://www.bible-tech.com/ Justin A

So if I drop my phone from 4 feet onto the screen it will break? huh, I didn’t know that…

Thunderstick

Why cant they make glass that doesn’t break when dropped on to concrete… ;)

darkjuan

These tests always leave something to be desired. The drops they do are different for every drop they do. If they want to do a true drop test they they should have more of a reliable system.

http://www.bible-tech.com/ Justin A

agreed.

J-MOBILE E. HITE

I would think any PHONE TOUCHSCREEN would SHATTER from/on CONCRETE

Pete

The s3 was hurled down but the I phone 5 was not… In fact you can not see how it was gently dropped.

Apple fan boys….

jeremy

Hate drop tests. They turn out as expected and then there is multiple destroyed phones. :-(

http://www.facebook.com/steve.goossens Steve Goossens

what is the point of these “tests”?! they should do laptop tests where they push a laptop over the edge of a table onto a concrete/stone/tile floor and it can get fucked up and we’ll be all like “whoa that’s amazing, I never would have guessed that would happen”

nathan head

I think it shows their strengths not there weaknesses, the iphone withstands drops on its sides well with that metal band, while the s4 did alright landing on its plastic back, but failed when dropped on its side